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Time Out says

The 'South Park' creators' musical doesn't quite live up to the epic hype, but is still the funniest show in town.

Nic Rouleau and Brian Sears are the current Elders Price and Cunningham

Brace yourself for a shock: ‘South Park’ creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s Broadway-munching musical is not particularly shocking. Sure, there are ‘fucks’ and ‘cunts’ and gags about baby rape – but beneath it all, this is a big-hearted affair that pays note-perfect homage to the spirit of Broadway’s golden age as much as the sounds.

The strapping young Latter Day Saints missionaries in ‘The Book of Mormon’ are as cartoonish as any ‘South Park’ character, with the endearing alpha-male woodenness of the ‘Team America’ puppets. In other words, they are loveable, well-intentioned idiots, traversing the globe like groups of pious meerkats, convinced they can convert the heathen through sheer politeness. And if they have doubts, then as Stephen Ashfield’s scene-stealingly repressed Elder McKinley declares in glorious faux-Gershwin number ‘Turn it Off’, ‘Don’t feel those feelings – hold them in instead!’

His advice is ignored by the show’s heroes, narcissistic, highly strung Elder Price (Gavin Creel) and dumpy, lying Elder Cunningham (Jared Gertner). The pair are sent to Uganda in an effort to convert a village to Mormonism, a religion that essentially tells the penniless villagers how great distant America is. The locals are not keen: Price cracks and unwisely clashes with a crazed local warlord; Cunningham makes up his own version of Mormonism which involves fucking frogs to cure oneself of Aids.

‘The Book of Mormon’ is, above all, very funny, breathing three-dimensional, all-singing, all-dancing life into the absurdities of literal Mormon dogma without ever being mean. It’s the mildest thing Parker and Stone have done, atheist in outlook but conciliatory towards anyone whose beliefs make them happy. If they and co-creator Robert ‘Avenue Q’ Lopez are angry about anything, it’s ‘The Lion King’: ‘Mormon’ neatly sidesteps accusations of racism by making its Uganda a scathing and explicit parody of that musical blockbuster’s misty-eyed romanticism.

From Casey Nicholaw’s kitsch choreography to the sheer detail of a book that hops with elan from Biblical Egypt to eighteenth-century America to a sort of vaginal version of hell, this is a tremendous show, as accomplished as it is funny. It also has as hard-working, well-drilled and odd-looking an ensemble as you’ll see on the West End.

And yet, after the biblical deluge of hype, for me ‘Mormon’ is only the best West End musical since the stronger ‘Matilda’. It offers a series of great-to-sublime songs and set pieces, but for all the laughs, as a whole it lacks the satiric purpose and angry animating spark of its creators’ other work.

Trey Parker and Matt Stone are not West End messiahs. But they are very naughty boys, and it’s hard not to love their smash musical.

It says something about their reputations going before them, but I was actually expecting this to be more extreme. It's hardly take-your-gran material though and still incredibly unique on the west end stage.

I would have liked to have seen more from the supporting Mormons too, they were brilliant, so I was disappointed they were under-used.

But as an intelligent spectacle on a grand scale, it's a pretty magnificent beast.

Ah Book of Mormon...It took me such a long time to see you, and my expectations were so high. And yep, they were pretty much met! The first act is, as is often the way, the most hilarious and engaging. I laughed so hard at at least two of the songs. Though I must admit, there were often moments when I genuinely cringed, and thought maybe they were going a little too far. Certain topics (if you see it, you'll know what I mean) that are in bad taste, rather than being ironically funny. My aunt and uncle asked me if they should see it, and I said no: The type of humour is really only suitable for those with dark sides! But if you enjoy that kind of humour, definitely see it - it can be very, very funny.

I'm not surprised the average review on TO is 5 stars, because this is a 5 star production. Funny, quick, and a sure fire hit even for those of us that hate musicals (Ok, I don't, I love them, but I pretend I hate them). It's rude, it's sweary, it's definitely for adults. Don't take super timid grandparents, but do take anyone you know that likes the kind of humour that feels borderline too far. I loved it. Everyone I know that has seen it has loved it. Go go go go! It sells out almost every single night, and has done since the start. Be sure to pre book your tickets, and it's definitely more fun in a group. Gather a posse together and be ready to laugh your head off.

I have seen Book of Mormon twice now and I have to say the second time I enjoyed it a lot more. I had gotten over the initial shock factor of "did they really just say that" and could appreciate the humour and the very catchy music (the songs are still stuck in my head).

Going into the show you think ok it will be south park themed with religious jokes, which it is but is better written and more entertaining than I expected. I would say it is a must see if you enjoy darkish comedy, but if that isn't your thing then don't bother. The tickets are expensive so only go if it is your kind of humour.

I did not find this show funny whatsoever. I felt like sitting at a bar with old folks telling each other jokes they have been telling themselves since they first met. The jokes were so stereotypical, bland, boring, old etc. And I found the show incredibly insulting, it seemed like the makers had no sense of whats humor and whats racism. I thought it was leaning heavily on the racist side and I was very uncomfortable about the portrayal of homosexuals and Africans. It was like sitting at a conservative political rally where they make jokes about population groups they disapprove of. The crowd was cheering at the predicted points during the show which was even more disturbing. I only stayed for my husband who found some pleasure watching it. Otherwise I would have left in the interval. Also in your seat you feel claustrophobia. It is so narrow and you think you are about to fall down. It is very hot inside.

The only positive thing I can say about the show was the live music (not familiar with musicals, but possibly it is standard), and the voices of the performers.

Before I start this review I feel I should add a disclaimer - I'm not a South Park fan. In fact, I hate South Park. If you love South Park then why are you wasting time reading this? Just go, you'll love it!

As a religious person I was expected to be shocked and insulted but to find it funny nonetheless. In actual fact, I wasn't shocked and insulted (however I'm not a Mormon, it might have been a very different review if I had been) but I did find it funny. But only a little bit. In true South Park style, they take a joke that was funny the first time they mention it, and then they milk it to death so there's really nothing funny about it by the end.

What I wasn't expecting was the intricate set design detail and the energetic performance coupled with catchy songs. What the actors lacked in singing talent they made up for in energy. One particular scene where they are in Mormon Hell has so much energy and that builds and builds into a such a frenzy that it's hard not to get swept away.

Holy crap. It's obvious that this isn't for the faint-of-heart, but WHOA. I was not expecting it to be as crass as it was - AND I LOVED IT. I took my sister, who was visiting London for a week, to see the show as she didn't have many others she was interested in. We went into with a slight expectation of inappropriate humour but right off the bat, BOOM we were pushed over the edge and into the imagination of Matt and Trey. Crazy. The music was great, and the lyrics were really fantastic as well. They definitely deserve all of the accolades they've received since the show's Broadway premiere a few years ago. Not to mention that the cast itself was phenomenal! The standouts were the two main elders, Elder Price and Elder Cunningham. Wow. The show isn't one of my favourites on the West End (I suppose I'm more of a traditionalist) but it has its own set of merits and is a must-see!

I really enjoyed this play! I was very skeptical, because my expectations were very high from everything that people said and when I finally saw it, I couldnt stop laughing the entire play. Really amazing performance, very witty, funny and a great night out with friends or your partner! Highly recommend.

The Book of Mormon musical is not for the easily offended. Written by the creators of South Park, it features two Mormon missionaries from Utah who are sent to Uganda with the news of Jesus Christ. There they discover the locals practise female circumcision, rape babies to cure AIDs, and sing songs telling God to f**k off. Basically, do not see this musical with your parents or anyone who might be offended! However, if you don’t mind gasping with horror at the jokes whilst simultaneously laughing, go see this. The Mormon faith is parodied, with some of the most extreme views (‘I believe…Jesus has his own planet too’) being turned into songs that are very catchy and will stay in your head long after. Yet despite this I felt that Mormons are portrayed as very nice, albeit misguided, people, and there is clearly a fondness for them from the creators of the show. The dance numbers are brilliant, with the classic Mormon attire of a black suit, white shirt and black tie lending itself nicely to the tableau. The tickets for this are expensive (around £37 for the cheapest, and that’s booking far in advance), but it is complexly worth it. There is also a ballot each day two hours before the show, where tickets are £20, so that’s always worth doing as well. The Prince Edward theatre has good views even towards the back of the room, so a cheaper ticket means you’ll still have a good view and be able to enjoy the show.

This review is LONG overdue. I've seen this show twice now, with different actors playing the joint lead of Elder Cunningham. Both were brilliant, and each took a slightly different approach to the character. The songs are rude beyond words - think of the most vulgar expression possible, then double it - yet it's delivered in such a clever way that you almost forgive them anything. Pretty much everyone was in tears of laugher around us, but that said, DO NOT take anyone with a sensitive disposition or who is overtly religious with no sense of humpour - although frankly, given the name of the show and its subject matter, I don't know why anyone would.

Don't go if you are easily offended! This comes from the creators of South Park, so it's not for the mild-at-heart. But it is literally the funniest show I have ever seen. Hilarious. Rip roaring. Fun. Controversial. Close to the bone. Over the line.... it's everything it promises to be!

I was smiling for days afterwards and certain jokes keep popping back into my head. A brilliant cast delivering fabulous performances - well worth the ticket money.

I have been longing to see it for the past two years, especially after all the praises I have heard from those who have seen it already.

The expectations were really high, when I finally decided to buy a ticket and join the show.

It turned out to be funny, witty, not too indelicate and overall a feel good musical. Though you would expect worse once you know who is actually behind it (namely Trey Parker and Matt Stone), but South Park has not been created for the big screen after all - it is a satirical view on not only the religion, but all stereotypes you can imagine along the way and they travel a long way.

I maybe would not recommend it, if your humour isn't a bit on the dark side, but afterall the tunes are catchy and the characters really likeable.It's been a great night out and would go again tomorrow.

After hearing all of the hype I was expecting to
be disappointed. Quite the opposite. This musical is HILARIOUS and exceeded all
of my expectations. Probably not the best choice if you’re easily offended, but
issues are tackled in such a comical and satirical way it’s hard not to find it
funny. The story line kept building, resulting in it just getting funnier and
funnier as it went on. A stellar job, worthy of all the praise, but beware, the soundtrack WILL be stuck in your head for the foreseeable future.

I went with a friend who bought the tickets and got the best seats in the stalls, near the middle in the stalls, so great start! Having experience spending time with mormons I found myself relating to the characters and story line without insult or offence.

The audience was a mix of people of all ages and everyone seemed to love the show. Overall great experience so I'd give it 5 stars as I found the show hilariously funny, but admittedly the humour is a little naughty, So I'd be aware if you more conservative.

This was a really mainstream production from the creators of South Park. Advertised as South Park on stage this most certainly was not. Cheesy songs, family friendly crude jokes and airy attempts to make controversial jokes. I really wouldn't recommend seeing this production it was very boring and predictable. Also note that the seats in the theatre are incredible uncomfortable. The theatre itself is also really really hot - like 28 degrees so make sure you have a full bottle of water and shorts on!

Crass. Witty. Quick. Book of Mormon is not the show to take your nan too (however the 70+ lady with a perm sat next to me had tears rolling down her face so what do I know).

A clever look at organised religion and the modern approach to race and culture told through X-Rated songs you will want to sing in public, but really can't.

In some instances, I found it unnecessarily crass. You can be funny and hideously rude and you can also be rude for the sake of it, and although it falls predominantly into the former, the latter rears it's head occasionally.

There's nothing else like it out there, and if you like your humour big bold and crass, you'll love this.

I can't think of the last time I LITERALLY laughed out loud straight for a couple of hours. Like many other reviewers it wasn't as outrageous as expected but there were still many moments of collective OOOHs and AHHHs from the audience when certain lines were crossed. I was surprised at how good the music was and came away with some rather inappropriate but catchy songs in my head. In a world that constantly feels like it's lost the plot a show like this is a welcome tonic to help us see just how ridiculous we are!

How
this play continues to sell out night after night amazes me - London clearly
hasn’t lost any of its love for The Book of Mormon. I recently saw this musical for the second
time and it’s just as good as the first - with the added bonus of being able to
watch the audience’s reactions and thinking back to my first time. The songs are very catchy even though they
are original and you can’t help but sing along.
The actors are amazing - more for being able to keep a straight face
than anything else. A must-see musical
unless you’re easily offended.

“Hello, my name is Adrian, and I am here to tell you
about a musical…”

From the creators of South Park and Team America World
Police, along with one of the creators of Avenue Q, comes the sensational “The Book
of Mormon”.

Taking a cynical look at religion, female genital
mutilation, and the work of the Mormon missionaries, Matt Stone,
Trey Parker and Robert Lopez take you on a journey to Uganda.

Here, Elders Cunningham and Price must try to
convert and baptise the local villagers into the Church of Latter Day Saints. Their
mission is hampered by Elder Cunningham’s active imagination, a local warlord,
and the fact that the local villagers have bigger worries and have heard it all
before from other Christian missionaries.

Regularly referencing the idiosyncrasies of modern
religion, this musical certainly isn't for the faint hearted or easily offended
but will have you rolling around with laughter throughout.

Purchased these tickets for my boyfriends 40th birthday present and although he throughly enjoyed himself, I must say I think it is over hyped. It wasn't as rude/crude as I was expecting and I think they could have push the boundaries a litter further. However my overall experience was great and I would recommend it, but with a little less expectation.

This was really funny, excellently executed. The jokes - and the little tweaks to refer to politics and lifestyle this side of the Atlantic -are hilarious. I was laughing throughout - but not something for people who can't bear rude language. I would like to give it four-and-a-half - it really deserves more than four - but not quite five because a couple of the jokes about Africans seemed a bit 1980s and because I can't really remember the songs - none was that completely memorable. But they were extremely good as a whole - go see this.

I can't believe that this is getting 5 stars from users... it's massively overhyped and overpriced.

There are no iconic songs; I challenge anyone walking out of the show to hum or sing any of the songs in the show. The acting is good but the script is saggy and slow. The concept is high but overly wrought. I did like that main set piece towards the end of the second half, that was funny and original. But the rest lacked so so so much. Sadly there is so much better theatre out there and it's being subsumed by this over-hyped US import. Go see some decent theatre instead of this.

All visitors to London who are looking for a musical (and people who live here but haven't yet seen it) - choose this one. It's funny, clever, and interesting, and you'll be singing the songs for days afterwards (under your breath, because most of them are so politically incorrect that you could get punched in the face if you were heard singing them out of context). The acting is superb, and the singing surprisingly good - I went along expecting to laugh and perhaps to be slightly offended, but not necessarily to be wowed by the voices of the cast. As someone who is not really a fan of Southpark or Team America, I have to say that this production is a cut above Stone and Parker's previous work, and is a definite must-see for everyone (even those who don't usually like musicals). Just go.

It
was just the best. Only problem that it felt too short which is a good
sign. The quing went smooth and quick even though they seemed very long.
We got quick answers to our questions, many helpful people around. The
break was a bit short too. This made my day, week, life! I just couldn't
stop smiling and signing afterwards. I am addicted to the songs now...

Hilariously fun and entertaining, but certainly not for prudes or those easily offended. I laughed so much that my facial muscles ached. I had expected 'South Park' with singing, but it was so much more.Don't miss it.

I wasn't quite sure what to expect, and given I took my whole family for their Christmas presents (aged from 26 - 67) I was a little nervous as to how it would be received. Everyone loved it...said they would go again!!

I've definitely waited a really long time to see this, and I definitely had my critical hat on. But I have to say it pleasantly exceeded my expectations and I would 100% recommend to others if you can take the 'God-jokes' on the chin and see it for what it is which is an interesting and clever take on religious satire, and not a mockery or insult at religion. The songs and musical performances were amazing! I couldn't get the songs out of my head, they're so catchy - you literally start tapping your feet and singing a-long. I think some of the language is profane and it takes you by surprise, but that would be my only negative. I think the whole thing was well-done and cleverly thought out, even the tiniest of details. I can definitely see why it's such a best-seller with hardly any empty seats on a Tuesday night performance.

Really funny in places, particularly references to how bonkers the Mormon religion is but we didn't enjoy it as much as we were expecting given the hype there has been around it. Pretty racist / patronising in places - not sure FGM, AIDS and baby rape is funny? - and we feel it could have worked just as well set anywhere else in the world. Worth a look though! Most other people seemed to be enjoying it greatly!

There is a reason why this won the olivier for best musical 2014. This is literally a breath of fresh air in terms of its content and presentation. It borders on the slightly offensive (some audience members walked out midway) but overall this should be enjoyed by all. Parental guidance IS advised but adults would definitely see the funny side in the jokes. The cast is superb and this had me laughing out loud even after watching for my fourth time!

This musical is so refreshing. Not a remake of a movie, kid's story or well known tale. It's clear why it's been running for so long. Unfortunately, it seems some people are not aware of just how un-PC the jokes are. Be warned, if you get offended easily - this is not for you.

After all that I heard about this play, I had expected a lot and one song in particular has stayed with me even now, months after I watched it! Go along, have a cheeky giggle at the inappropriateness and enjoy a night of fun!

An unique show in the west end!! The show totally met my expectations. I was pleasantly surprised with the music and singing performance (5 stars to "Orlando"). Absolutely hilarious! Expect extreme materials on stage to be taken with a pinch of salt!

The Book of Mormon is absolutely hilarious! I loved every
minute of it and would easily go and see it again. (Don’t go if you’re easily
offended though!) The actors were great and the plot itself was exactly what
you would expect from the creators of South Park. Go and see it now!

If you are musical mogul or cringe at the sight of jazz hands, I defy anyone to not enjoy this side splittingly funny, unique musical. I mean, my friend even took her priest mother, and she could hardly contain herself with laughter. It is a triumph and one of London's must see shows.

From the writers of South Park, their crazy sense of humour permeates the show, and silly costumes and voices elevate what would be ordinary 'filler' characters in other musicals. What makes this show so enjoyable, is that while the acting are self-consciously poking fun at classic musical tropes (there is a song which is a near identical replica of Wicked's Defying Gravity), the actors and performers are outstandingly talented. The tap number is a real show-stopper and the African's interpretation of Joseph Smith's story is beautifully sung, stupidly funny and a fantastic spectacle.

I have been twice, and while some of the shock moments and punch lines lose their original sheen, the quality of the songs (so catchy and very clever lyrics), the performers and the production values make it a real treat. Beg, borrow, steal- whatever you have to do, get a ticket if you haven't already, but don't feel any rush; I have a feeling this show will become a permanent fixture of the London's theatre scene.

I have been wanting to see Book of Mormon for years, so my expectations were quite high. It honestly far exceeded my expectations and is one of my favourite musicals I have ever seen. I was laughing almost the entire time and had a smile on my face from the opening act. It's fun, hilariously funny, and really a must see!

It's funny, but certainly doesn't live uo to the hype. I love simple humour, but this is more like basic humour. If value for money was to be taken into account, it'd get 2 stars from me (i.e don't go).

There is (still) such a massive hype surrounding The Book of Mormon that after seeing it, I was left feeling pretty disappointed. This is coming from someone who has seen Avenue Q 6 six times (!) and who saw Hand to God this week too. So I don't get easily offended, I'm open minded and I love to laugh. However, whilst The Book of Mormon still pushed conventional boundaries and could easily have 'touched a nerve' for some, I didn't think it was as radical and outrageously funny as people say and I certainly wouldn't go to see it again as I know it wouldn't have much effect at all then. Saying that, it is still unique and an alternative to seemingly 'samey' love stories etc that can seem predictable. It is worth a watch, just don't splash too much out on it!

There's no doubting that The Book of Mormon is very funny, as you'd expect from the creators of South Park and Team America. It's wrong in so many ways but also has a point! The songs are also catchy and there's also an element of warmth to the whole thing that stops it being truly offensive. If you like musicals along the line of Avenue Q and you don't take things too seriously, then go take a look. I do, however, disagree that you MUST see this musical before you die. It's good, but I didn't die in my seat laughing :)

The first act was well written and executed providing good amusement & entertainment. It is a shame that this then deteriorated as the musical resorted to cheap jokes and vulgar comments too sexual, visual and repetitive in nature. Such a shame.....it could have been so much better....I do hope this is not a trend for the west end to follow.....

Really enjoyed it. Took my other half who's a big Southpark fan and he's not stopped singing the songs since we got back. Definitely a specific type of dark humour - if you're not a southpark fan, then not sure you'd find it funny. We thought it was absolutely brilliant. Adored the mormons and their fabulous numbers in particular.

I have to say, as someone who isn't a big SouthPark fan, I was dubious about seeing this musical. However, I was intrigued as to what the hype was about and I wasn't disappointed. It was by far, the funniest thing I have seen West End or otherwise, in a very long time. It's not immature humour, it's extremely intelligent and any theatre lover would appreciate how clever the storyline, soundtrack and set have been used. Definitely worth a visit & thanks Time Out for making it happen!

Bloody brilliant. Funny, filthy, toe-tappingly great. Took my 15-year-old who thought it was EPIC. Theatre was packed, everyone seemed to be having a great time including immaculately dressed pensioners. Bit disappointed no one walked out in rage, but can't blame them. I'd have gladly watched another two hours.